You may have seen this in the news, but we are excited to present our upcoming exhibition Deep Calm at this year’s Melbourne Design Week.
Deep Calm explores how furniture can hug, hold and squeeze its users. Drawing on the therapeutic benefits of deep pressure – often experienced through sensations of being hugged, held, or squeezed – this exhibit highlights how such sensations can induce relaxation and reduce anxiety. This effect, known to trigger the release of serotonin, has been harnessed in an array of therapeutic tools such as weighted blankets, toys, and even hugging machines.
The exhibition features custom-designed floor rugs which are designed as a sensory tactile base for visitors to lay down along with weighted soft forms, or sofas, that give you a heavy hug. A soundscape by Jeanette Little will relax visitors under the weight of Deep Calm and invigilators dressed in SUKU Home will guide and tuck them in.

Deep Calm is one of the outcomes of a year-long research project funded by Creative Victoria that investigates approaches to designing for the senses. This builds upon our post-occupancy evaluation of the Wangaratta District Specialist School, which saw the integration of calm/focus areas, sensory spaces, social areas, and support facilities for students with different abilities. It also included guest editing the current issue of Architect Victoria entitled Sensory Design in Architecture.
The space will be open for visitors to drop in from the 15th -17th of May, or you can book in for the full Deep Calm experience 21st-24th of May.  Link here.